6 Nov 2006 - Tarbena Walk

Tarbena is a small, and very Spanish, village hidden in the mountains between Parcent and Benidorm. There is a cafe owned by a one armed man who was involved in the Spanish Civil War. The cafe is like a museum, with newspapers, posters and other exhibits on the wall. One of the newspapers carries a photo of the owner as a much younger man, carrying a rifle in his remaining hand.

Of more interest to us is that Tarbena is situated in an excellent walking area. The village is already high in the mountains, so you do not have to climb very much for excellent views such as this one.

This was the view when we stopped for our picnic lunch. I don't remember it being as overcast as this photo implies, but when walking we would be very grateful if an overcast day to spare us from the hot sun.

This is the viewpoint in Tarbena, giving an excellent view of Benidorm and the coast. Everyone is looking remarkably fresh, given that they had just finished a five hour walk in the mountains.

1 Nov 2006 - Jack Leniston

Tired, but very happy, Michelle on the day she brought Jack home.


Proud dad, stuart with Jack and his wide screen TV

The centre of attention could not really care less


Jan and I were pleased as punch to receive these first photographs of Jack

23 Oct 2006 - Benigembla Walk

Benigembla is a small village about 5 miles from Parcent. It is the start of a number of very good walks into the surrounding hills

The walk was led by Gerald. He was following old written instructions, which included directions to turn left at this abandoned car!


We came across this very large snake in the middle of the road. At first we thought it was sleeping in the sun, but it soon became obvious that it was never going to wake up again.

Jan and Maureen sharing a joke. Not sure how they still had the energy as this was a long, long walk.

16 Oct 2006 - Gata Walk

None of the clubs walk during July, August and September, its just too hot. There is the occasional evening walk, but its usually short and really just an opportunity to have a meal or a picnic on the beach.

So its really nice to get into October and back with the "old gang" walking once more. Its easy to forget that it really is an "old" gang. I think all of the Monday Club are over 60, and some well over 70. All are quite fit, indeed have to be to tackle the difficult terrain and usually mountainous walks that you find in this part of the Costa Blanca.

Gata is a very strange little town between Denia and Teulada. Usually you only see the long road which runs through the centre, filled with shops selling wicker furniture. Its the centre of that industry, but I still don't understand why there are so many shops all selling exactly the same furniture! Must be very popular for all of them to make a living at it.

Strange how so many of the photographs I take out walking involves eating! Not really so strange I guess, it is the only time that we all stop moving.

David and Rosemary, not sure what he was saying to Jan but she looks very pleased whatever it was!

11 Oct 2006 - Montgo Walk

This walk was to the Iberial Settlement on the lower slopes of the Montgo mountain overlooking Denia. The walk is about 8 km return, and as such is one of the shorter CBMW walks

Walking with the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers (CBMW) is a great way to find walks in this part of Spain. There are no good walking maps as there are in UK, so finding walks on your own is very difficult. The only drawback is that their walks are so popular there are often 30 or even 40 walkers on each one.

Although the Iberian Settlements are not on the highest part of the Montgo, there are some spectacular views from the end of the settlement.


Good friends David and Rosemary enjoy lunch. They also walk with the Monday Club, so we spend quite a lot of time walking together.

9 Oct 2006 - Denia to Javea

This Monday Club walk began at the yacht club in Denia. It was the first time we did this walk, which was to become a firm favourite.

The first part of the walk was along Denia sea front for about an hour, followed by a steep road climb up to the tower. It was a very hot day, and this part seemed to go on for a very long time.

The second part was across a lovely stretch of nature reserve. Very flat with lovely views, but with the usual broken, stoney path which meant you had to watch your feet all the time, and stop to enjoy the views.

The furthest point of the walk were these interesting towers overlooking the town and bay of Javea. They look like old castles, but are actually windmills. Most are unused, but a couple have been converted to live in.

The highlight of the walk was a proper "menu del dia". Most unusual for the Monday Club, we usually only have a drink at the end of the walk. The walk was led by Gerald, who also organised the meal. A few of the group did not wish to stay for the meal, which was a shame as they missed a very enjoyable lunch.

2 Oct 2006 - Lliber Walk

The Monday Club is a small group of keen walkers who meet, of course, every Monday. We usually walk for about 5 hours, and cover about 6 - 8 miles.

Lliber is a small village about 6 miles from Parcent. This is a circular walk around the village of about 8 miles. Unusually for this area, this is a relatively level walk with not much climbing involved.

All of the group are the wrong side of 50, but very fit despite that. Unlike some walking groups, our aim is to enjoy the walk rather than just finish as soon as possible.